Today, Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Member of the House of Assembly for Placentia – St. Mary’s, and Her Worship Hilda Whelan, Mayor of Whitbourne, announced a joint investment of more than $1.5 million to support water and sewer infrastructure upgrades in Whitbourne.

“Creating environmentally safe and healthy communities is important in all settings, rural and urban. Work done on the water infrastructure in Whitbourne will help achieve that and will help protect against possible adverse effects of climate change. The Government of Canada will always be there to support the development and well-being of rural communities.”

Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Updating infrastructure in our province is important to the overall well-being of our towns and communities. These types of upgrades will not only improve services for the town, but are also an important component of our ongoing efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.”

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Municipal infrastructure projects like the one slated for Brigus Road will have a very significant impact on the area. It will mean more modern, efficient water and sewage systems, while also focusing on climate change preparedness. I am very pleased with these upgrades and how it will positively affect the residents of my district.”

Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Member of the House of Assembly for Placentia-St. Mary’s

“This project is a win-win for our town and we are thankful for the federal and provincial government partnership in financing this project. It will complete the replacement of our 40-year-old water lines and improve our drinking water and overall community lives. We also extend a big thank you to our MHA Sherry Gambin-Walsh and our federal MP Churence Rogers for their advocacy for the project.”

Her Worship Hilda Whelan, Mayor of Whitbourne

• The Government of Canada is investing $611,207 in this project, while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $764,008 and the Town of Whitbourne is contributing $152,802.

• The Government of Canada's funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

• This stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.  

• Including today’s announcement, 380 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been funded in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a total federal contribution of nearly $170 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $180 million.

• Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

• Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.

• The funding announced today builds on the Government of Canada's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies, and build inclusive communities.

Associated links

• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Green Infrastructure Stream
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
• Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Strengthened Climate Plan

For more information (media only), please contact:

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
343-574-8116
Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca  

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
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Web: Infrastructure Canada

Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Transportation and Infrastructure
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-3015
MelonyOneill@gov.nl.ca